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Wild mustang, burro adoption this weekend

Adopt a young horse from the range for $125; get a second ‘buddy’ horse for just $25.

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By Darci Jordan Updated 10:02 AM Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Springfield - The Champions Center will host a wild horse and burro adoption for the first time next weekend. Approximately 65 animals will be available for adoption beginning at 1 p.m. Friday, April 17. “We wanted to try a new area and the (Champions Center at) Clark County fairgrounds is a facility that will accommodate the animals,” said Martha Malik from the Bureau of Land Management.

“I came across the BLM by accident (online),” said mustang owner Sandra Henry of Medway.

“Everyone was great. They are horse people concerned about the horses.”

Although she recommends adopters have some experience with horses before investing in a mustang, she is very happy with her decision to adopt.

Henry adopted her mare, “Puku,” last year and said the sweet-tempered horse has been a bright spot in a difficult year.

“Within 15 minutes (in the corral) with her she nuzzled my sleeve. By the end of the week I could touch her about anywhere,” she said.

Previously, the wild horse adoption was held annually in Columbus, but in 2008 the sale was not as successful as in years past.

Most adoption applicants will be approved the day of the sale. Applicants must have a minimum 20’ x 20’ corral of 6’ high for an adult horse or 5’ high for a burro or young horse.

“There are a lot of them that are fresh off the range,” said Malik who explained that the amount of human contact each animal has had varies.

Each animal available has been deemed of good health by a veterinarian andhas been vaccinated and dewormed.

Many times the animals are used for trail riding and competitions, however some are currently being used for border patrol and were in the inauguration parade this

year.

“Any limitations are up to the trainer and owner,” Malik said.

“Most of the time, when people adopt animals they want to be the one to train them because they want to build that relationship.”

Malik said the current wild horse population stands at about 33,000 head on western state ranges and the herd size can double in just four years.

“We’d love to have them down to 2,000 or 3,000.”

By law, unadopted animals remain in holding areas.

A ‘buddy program’ is now also available making a second, older animal available to an approved adopter for just $25.

“They tend to do better as a pair,” Malik said.

Henry suggests to anyone who has considered owning a mustang in the past, to go check out the adoption.

“Take a look and see,” she said.

“It’s been a great experience. It could not have gone more perfectly.” Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.